5 Keys to better infection prevention #4

COVID has changed everything – including patients. 
 
They know more about safety and infection prevention than ever before … and may now be questioning for first time how you plan to keep them safe. 
 
Improving the patient experience includes having candid conversations about safety, as well as putting measures in place that back up those discussions. 
 
To that end, you should be prepared to proactively bring up safety with your patients instead of waiting for them to ask questions. This can take the form of actual discussions, signage, emails, texts, and other forms of communication that let patients know their safety is your priority. 
 
Here are some tips to create a better patient experience when it comes to safety. 

Train Your Staff to Have Candid Conversations 

Your front office staff, hygienists, and assistants spend plenty of time with patients. So, they should know the patient safety measures your practice takes and how to talk about it with patients. 

Make sure they are well-trained to answer the most common questions about safety, sterilization, and anything else you think may come up. Give staff members all the materials and information they need to speak openly and knowledgeably. This will put patients at ease and reduce your time explaining the basics. 

Let your staff know they can come to you with the tough questions, and don’t forget to keep them up to date on the latest information coming out of the National and International Guidelines with regard to patient care and safety. 

Talk to Patients About Each Step in the Process 

Make sure patients know and understand the steps your team takes to ensure patient safety. They want to be reassured that they can trust their dental health (and that of their family) with you and your team. 

Talk to them about reprocessing, the cleaning and sterilization processes, how rooms are turned over, why you and your staff wear PPE during cleanings and procedures, and anything else you do to prevent infection. 

Let patients see your sterilization area and make a point to show them the sterile instruments before opening them. If you use cassettes, explain their advantages for organization and patient safety. 

Show How You Provide a Stronger Patient Experience 

Be sure to illustrate the extra steps you’re taking to provide a safe experience for your patients. Because just as your patients are talking with you about your infection prevention, they’re also talking about it with their friends and family. 

The key to ensuring the best patient experience is more than the treatment. By sharing with them how you protect their safety with infection prevention protocols, you’re making them feel at ease and more trusting, which contributes to their overall experience. 

Click here to contact us for a personal consultation to learn how Circle of Protection can prevent the spread of disease and improve the safety of your practice.